Aussie lawyer to lead EUME regional partnership

A corporate specialist and former top-tier managing partner has been selected to head operations in Europe and the Middle East (EUME) for a global firm.

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has appointed Australian Tim Bednall as its new EUME managing partner. He will hold the position for a three-year term.

Mr Bednall currently heads the corporate finance and funds division as a partner in KWM’s London office. A corporate specialist, Mr Bednall is also the joint global coordinator of KWM’s corporate, M&A and securities practice.

Speaking of his new role, Mr Bednall said he was “delighted” to have the opportunity to help shape KWM’s future in the region.

“My immediate priority is to work with my partners across Europe and the Middle East to drive positive change and growth in the business, to deliver an outstanding client experience and to create sustainable success built on our strong European foundations,” Mr Bednall said.

“I am honoured to have been elected managing partner and look forward to leading the EUME region as we strive to realise the enormous potential of the firm.”

In a statement announcing Mr Bednall’s appointment, the firm gave credit to his role in negotiating the merger of King & Wood and Mallesons Stephen Jaques in his role as chairman of the Australian partnership from January 2010 to December 2012.

From 2013 to 2014 Mr Bednall served as Australian managing partner of M&A and tax. He left Australia to join KWM’s London office in 2015.

Mr Bednall has advised a number of companies on major M&A transactions. His clients include Macquarie, CMOC, Brambles, BG Group, Glencore/Xstrata, ASX and Westpac.

KWM EUME senior partner Stephen Kon noted that the EUME group will benefit from Mr Bednall’s energy and integrity.

“On behalf of the EUME partnership, I congratulate Tim on his appointment as our new managing partner. Tim is an outstanding, collegiate individual who has the best interests of the firm at heart and who will bring exceptional experience, energy and integrity to the role.

“I have no doubt that Tim will make an excellent managing partner with a clear vision for the future of the firm and the commitment to drive it forward,” Mr Kon said.

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